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Michael Carrick Call Divides Manchester Utd Icons - Roy Keane Not Convinced

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 3:16 PM ET

Some Manchester United icons have expressed their opinion regarding keeping Michael Carrick as the manager of the Red Devils.

Among the former players who spoke about it are Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, and Roy Keane. The latter does not like the idea of keeping Carrick.

Ferdinand pointed out that any other alternative to the English coach will also raise questions. He said, "Anyone you mention, there are still question marks with them. Can Luis Enrique come to the Premier League? Does he know the Premier League? Can he adapt? Can he get his team working?"

"They're all the questions that everyone was asking about this team, and Michael Carrick answered. Are these players good enough? Well, they are good enough. They just needed to be coached better."

Roy Keane, pundit and former player, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025, in London, England.Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Roy Keane Disagrees as Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney Back Michael Carrick

A few days ago, like Ferdinand, Rooney pointed out on BBC Radio that he does not see the need to change managers. "Why would you change?" he asked. "We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team."

Unlike Ferdinand and Rooney, Keane made it clear that, for him, Carrick is not the best option for Manchester United. "We all sit here, ex-football people, and there are no better options that might be there."

"There are lots of options out there, but you won't get the best. Carrick's not the best option for Man United. Simple as that (...) And if they do give him the job, good luck to him, and if he does the business next year, United win the league titles, I'll happily sit here and go, listen, I got it wrong, no problem," he said, via Sky Sports.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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